Background and Objective

The Basic Act on Ocean Policy entered into force in 2007, and "Integrated Coastal Management (ICM)" was stipulated in Article 25 of the Act. This was the first time that the concept was stipulated as a law in Japan. Through this action, ICM was clearly defined as one of the twelve fundamental measures that Japan should promote, and for which necessary measures must be taken.

In the Revised Basic Plan on Ocean Policy of 2013, it is stated that measures should be promoted to manage land areas and sea areas in an integrated manner by revitalizing coastal areas, preserving and reclaiming the marine environment, taking countermeasures against natural disasters, and improving convenience for local residents.

In an effort to assist the model sites, we carried out an "Investigative Research on the Implementation of ICM", subsidized by The Nippon Foundation as the second phase, three years from FY 2013. During that period, we tried to have the Japanese government institutionalize ICM, as was presented in the "Policy Proposal for Promoting ICM" by OPRI, and we also tried to ensure six actions/steps to be taken by local governments towards implementing ICM. In collaboration with local governments, OPRI supported a smooth transition at ICM model sites to the implementation stage and the establishment of independent actions by the communities.

In this process, we will examine the challenges and issues of implementing Integrated Coastal Management. Based on the results, we will make proposals for ways to implement and support Integrated Coastal Management by communities.